Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
言います
いいます (iimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
申す
もうす (mōsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "say" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 言います and 申す.
In Japanese, 言います (いいます (iimasu)) is typically associated with "to say, to tell" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 言う.
On the other hand, 申す (もうす (mōsu)) maps to "to say, to be called (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Humble form of 言う. A literal translation of "say" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "言います"
先生にありがとうと言います。
I say thank you to the teacher.
Bilingual Context for "申す"
私は田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka. (Lit. I am called Tanaka.)
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生にありがとうと ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I say thank you to the teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "言います" fits here because it means "to say, to tell" in the context of: "I say thank you to the teacher.". "申す" represents "to say, to be called (humble)".